Discover the Alaska Most Tourists Never See
Departures
Duration
10 Days, 9 Nights
Starting Price
$6,149 | Based on Double Occupancy
Waterfalls, Wildlife, and Rich History
Taking place only twice a year, this tour features both Denali and Wrangell St. Elias National Parks and goes to less visited—but equally beloved—parts of the state. See Alaska from the perspective of the state’s pioneers: traverse the Copper river valley to turn-of-the-century mining towns, follow the Alyeska pipeline over Thompson Pass to its terminus in Valdez, and cross Prince William Sound to Whittier. Along the way, encounter colossal glaciers, reach new heights on scenic flightseeing tours of the Wrangells and the Alaska range, enjoy exclusive views of wildlife and waterfalls, and deepen your understanding of Alaska.
A Historic Route to the Interior
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Itinerary
Our guided Full Circle Tour invites you to experience Alaska’s wild magnificence and rich history. You’ll venture deep into two national parks, spot incredible wildlife, flightsee over two different areas of Alaska, marvel at colossal icebergs, learn about Native Alaskan culture and natural resource discovery, and take in breathtaking sights from the air.
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Day 01
Anchorage, Eklutna, & Wasilla
A Rich Cultural Immersion
Your Alaskan adventure begins with a visit to the fascinating Native Heritage Center, which gives you an opportunity to enrich your understanding of Alaska’s indigenous cultures. Departing from Anchorage, your path takes you north to the Matanuska Valley. En route, you’ll explore the Native village of Eklutna, where you’ll witness the unique blending of Native American and Russian Orthodox traditions at a historic chapel and burial site.
Continuing on north to Wasilla, you’ll enter into the Mat-Su Valley, the farming belt of Alaska.
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Day 02
Palmer
Upgrade available on this day.
Gold Panning at Hatcher Pass
Soak in the beautiful scenery of Hatcher Pass as you visit Independence Gold Mine, built in the 1900s. We provide gold pans so you can try your hand at striking it rich! A park naturalist is often available to share the history of the mine and knowledge about the area’s unique flora and fauna.
Knik Glacier Boat Tour
Hop aboard an airboat headed to Lake George, the base of Knik Glacier. At 28 miles long and six miles wide, this glacier is one of Alaska’s grandest natural attractions. Born in the Ice Age 600,000 years ago, Knik Glacier appears motionless, but it’s actually in a constant state of change.
You’ll arrive back in Anchorage this evening where you’ll say goodbye to your AAU tour guide. Early tomorrow morning, you will begin your choreographed Kenai Peninsula railroad adventure.
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Day 03
Wasilla & Talkeetna
Upgrade available on this day.
Iditarod Headquarters
Have a chance to meet a seasoned musher and his team of dogs as you learn about the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. You can even take a ride around the quarter-acre track.
Towering Mountains
Next, we’ll enter Talkeetna, home to some of the most photographed sites in our state: the majestic peaks of Mt. Denali and the Alaska mountain range.
Two Activity Options Available
1 – Denali Flightseeing (1 hr activity + travel time)
- Get within six miles of Denali’s summit, the highest peak in North America at 20,320 feet!
- Includes window seats for each passenger
- An experienced pilot-guide will highlight points of interest along the way
Available Upgrade to Flightseeing
- Ruth Glacier Landing on the Side of Denali | $100/person
2 – Riverboat (2 hr activity + travel/prep time)
- Adventure down the river on an enclosed jet boat and see unique views of Mt. Denali
- Visit an authentic trapper’s cabin and see how trappers lived in “bush” Alaska at the turn of the century
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Day 04
Talkeetna
Upgrade available on this day.
Journey Up the River
For your second day in Talkeetna, you can enjoy the Riverboat adventure from Day 3, if you chose to fly yesterday instead. You can also choose to simply relax and enjoy shopping around the local area, or upgrade your tour with a half-day fishing excursion.
One Activity Option Available
1 – Riverboat (2 hr activity + travel/prep time)
- Adventure down the river on an enclosed jet boat and see unique views of Mt. Denali
- Visit an authentic trapper’s cabin and see how trappers lived in “bush” Alaska at the turn of the century
Available Upgrade
Half-Day Fishing | $150/person
- River fishing offers the chance to catch rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, and salmon
- All fishing gear is provided
Denali National Park
In the afternoon, you’ll continue your adventure onto Denali National Park, stopping along the scenic drive for spectacular photo ops and a chance to stretch your legs. You’ll cross over Hurricane Gulch on an impressive 254-foot high bridge, one of the tallest in the state. From your vantage point, you’ll enjoy expansive views of the valley beneath. Enjoy the rest of the evening dining, sightseeing, or relaxing in your beautiful accommodations.
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Day 05
Denali National Park
Upgrade available on this day.
Enter a Magnificent Wilderness
Everything about Denali National Park is larger than life: the beautiful scenery, the mountains, and the animals. While wildlife watching, you may spot bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, foxes, and wolves. Many smaller animals also inhabit the park, such as Arctic ground squirrels, hoary marmots, pikas, snowshoe hares, and beavers.
Soak in the scenery and experience Denali at your own pace with three different options. Take a 2.1 mile self-guided hike on one of our favorite trails in Denali National Park or elevate your adventure by taking on a 4-hour self-guided E-bike ride to Savage River. Pedal yourself into the park on the only road that exists in the entire National Park. Your bike comes equipped with racks, bear spray, and quality rain suits to adventure in any type of weather.
Our most popular option is to board the Denali Park Shuttle at the Wilderness Access Center and take a five-hour round-trip tour deep into the park. Lunch and a beverage are included. Remember your camera and binoculars! The bus stops regularly for up close animal sightings and about once an hour for restroom breaks.
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Day 06
Denali & Wasilla
Upgrade available on this day.
Relax and Recharge
Today is a day of leisure. Spend a morning at the Denali National Park headquarters, where you can watch interesting films about the region and its wildlife, or immerse yourself in nature on one of the many hiking trails in the area (which range from easy to challenging). The Murie Science and Learning Center is a treasure trove of fascinating information about this boreal forest, and informative talks with knowledgeable rangers are also available. Just tell your guide where you would like to go!
Available Upgrades
1 – ATV 4-Wheeler Adventure (1.5 hrs)
- $150 single rider, $250 double rider, $350 triple rider
- Explore 10 miles of varied terrain: coal mining trails, rocky creek beds, hill climbing, and water and mud crossings
2 – 9-Hole Tundra Golf | $125/person
- Play a round—or several—at Black Diamond, a short but challenging course full of Alaskan hazards like tundra marsh and the occasional moose hoof print
3 – Denali Zipline (3 hrs) | $165/person
- Your adventure begins with a three-mile trail ride through scenic Alaskan wilderness
- After gearing up, certified guides will lead you along six sky-bridges and seven thrilling ziplines
4 – Fat Truck Tour (2.5 hrs) | $249/person
- Travel up an old mining trail to the “upper lookout” where you will see vista views and learn about the geology and history of the area. Test out the amphibious qualities of the truck with your guide!
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Day 07
Glacier View
Upgrade available on this day.
Travel the Matanuska River
Get ready for one of the most scenic drives in the state! As you head south to Palmer and Glacier View, the Matanuska River winds its way beside you for part of your journey. Several overlook stops offer spectacular views of mountains, valleys, and glaciers.
Three Activity Options Available
1 – Zipline Adventure (2.5 hrs)
- Take on Alaska’s first and only all-tandem side-by-side zipline.
- Soar through 6 zips with a guide and cross over stunning valleys on the suspension bridges.
2 – Horseback Riding (1.5 hrs)
- Saddle up and follow a local rancher as you explore the trails of Palmer.
- Suitable for first-timers and experienced enthusiasts ages 8+
3 – Homestead Ranch Tour (2 hrs)
- Learn about the history of Sunderland Ranch and other original farms in Lazy Mountain. We will walk about a mile to see incredible views and other unique points of interest. One of our touring rigs will pick us up to visit the horse barn.
Visit the Glaciers
After our lunch stop, discover the true beauty of glaciers up close as you walk on the Matanuska Glacier. Ice cramp-ons are provided, and no experience is necessary to join in the fun!
Next, you’ll travel to Anchorage where you’ll have the night to rest up. Early tomorrow morning, you will begin your choreographed two-day railroad Kenai Peninsula adventure.
Available Upgrade
Helicopter Glacier Landing | $249/person
- This scenic 45-minute helicopter ride lands at a glacial pool on the Matanuska Glacier, which is only accessible by air
- See wildlife and experience the glacier in a spot few have ever visited
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Day 08
Copper Center to Kennicott
Forests and Flights
The day’s adventure begins at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Visitor Center, where you’ll join a ranger for an engaging tour through the surrounding forest.
After a scenic drive to the village of Chitina, you’ll board a small plane for an exciting flightseeing tour over Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Six times the size of Yellowstone, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park encompasses 20,000 square miles of mountain wilderness. Nine of the 16 highest peaks in the U.S. are within this national park’s borders, the largest concentration of mountains over 14,000 feet in North America.
You’ll land in the tiny town of McCarthy, then drive up the road to Kennicott, an old mining town, where you’ll learn about the history and settlement of this extremely remote area. You can relax at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge. Read, play a family game, or choose to take a short walk around town or a further hike to a glacier. That night, sleep in rooms at the lodge that will take you back in time. They’re decorated with antiques, clippings of old newspapers and magazines, and relics from days gone by.
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Day 09
McCarthy to Valdez
A Colorful History
Choose what you’d like to do this morning. You can walk out to the glacier, stroll around the mining area, or visit the Kennecott Visitor Center to dive deeper into local history. You can also join a ranger for a history talk or nature walk.
Available Upgrades
Guided History Tour | $35/person
- Tour the interior of the impressive historic 14-story Kennecott Mill Building
At noon, you’ll head back to McCarthy, a once bustling service town that is now home to around just 120 year-round residents. Grab lunch to go beforehand from the Kennicott Lodge, or stop by The Potato, a local McCarthy eatery, for their famous hand-cut curly fries. Later this afternoon, enjoy another opportunity to flightsee on your return to Chitina.
Stunning Vistas
Your excursion continues through the Copper Basin, paralleling the Alyeska Pipeline and passing by the stunning Worthington Glacier. Today’s drive is one of the most scenic and beautiful in Alaska. As you travel over Thompson Pass and then into Keystone Canyon, you’ll spot numerous waterfalls and stop at some of the most stunning. In the evening, you’ll arrive in Valdez, where you can enjoy a night of local flair.
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Day 10
Prince William Sound Boat Charter to Whittier
Islands, Fjords, and Glaciers
After saying goodbye to your AAU guide, you’ll step aboard a boat charter and spend the day cruising around Prince William Sound. As you sail towards Whittier, a sleepy town nestled against soaring mountains, watch for marine life and sea birds. You’ll pass the Columbia Glacier and many breathtaking waterfalls before arriving in Whittier.
You’ll depart Whittier on the Alaska Railroad, making your scenic return to Anchorage. As you head north, watch for Dall sheep on the cliffs and other wildlife along the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet.
Get All the Details
Download the full itinerary here.
Rates & Inclusions
Alaska Full Circle Package
Enjoy the trip of a lifetime with our Alaska Full Circle Package, which includes all listed activities, transportation, quality hotels, some meals plus two scenic flights in two national parks.
2025 Rates:
- $6149 Per Person (Double Occupancy)
- $5849 Per Person (Triple/Quad Occupancy)
- $7249 Per Person (Single Occupancy)
- $410 Per Person Tax
- *Adult tour only except for custom group tours
What’s Included in Your tour
- Accommodations for Nine Nights
- Partial Meal Plan
- Executive 14-Seat Mini-Coach
- Private Alaskan Guide
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
- Prince William Sound Day Cruise
- Flightseeing to Kennicott & McCarthy
- Scenic Worthington Glacier
- Denali National Park Tour
- Zipline Adventure
- Knik Glacier Boat Tour
- Hatcher Pass Scenic Tour
- Matanuska Glacier Ice Trek
- Denali Flightseeing
Available Activity Upgrades
Want to make your Alaskan adventure even more magical? We have activity upgrades on select days, allowing you to enjoy the Alaskan tour of your dreams. Check out the tour itinerary for available upgrades.
Tour Add-Ons
Looking to make this trip of a lifetime even more memorable? We have some experiences to recommend! Our add-on experiences begin at the end of your official tour. We’re happy to provide suggestions of activities and accommodations as well as assist with the planning and coordination of your touring.
Wildlife Tour
Seward / Kenai Fjords National Park Add-On
Two Days of Wilderness Activities
Prices Vary
Most people love this addition to the main tour, making it a 12-day adventure instead of a 10-day tour. Hop aboard the magnificently scenic Alaska Railroad. Take a private transfer from Whittier down to Seward, then go deep into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park on a wildlife and glacier cruise. Choose from a number of exciting options for your final day: a dog sled ride, tandem sea kayaking, a helicopter ride with a glacier landing and a dog sled ride, a zipline canopy adventure, or a full or half-day fishing charter.
Bear Viewing
Anchorage Add-On
Lake Clark Bear Viewing (6–8 hrs)
$1,250/person
After a scenic ride on a float plane that passes three active volcanoes, numerous salmon streams, and towering glaciers, you’ll arrive at this ideal oceanfront bear viewing habitat to watch brown bears interacting with each other in the wild. Observe them as they frolic in the grass with their cubs, dig for clams, and take afternoon naps.
Anchorage Add-On
Katmai Bear Viewing (8–10 hrs)
$1,495/person
The federally protected Katmai National Park and Preserve is world famous for having the largest population of Alaska brown bears. Accessible only by air, this is Alaska wilderness in its rawest form. At Brooks Falls, where numerous bears congregate to catch salmon, three bear viewing platforms connected by elevated boardwalks allow for close, unobstructed, extraordinary bear viewing.
Pre- and Post-Tour Accommodations
Anchorage Add-On
Pre-Tour Hotel Stay
Upscale: $395 / night
Anchorage Add-On
Post-Tour Hotel Stay
Upscale: $395 / night
FAQ
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When and how do I make my reservations?
You should make your reservations as soon as you know your desired dates of travel. Prime dates sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended!
If you’re in the United States, please call 800.580.3494 to speak with one of our Tour Coordinators. Outside the United States? Please call 866.343.5618.
We are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Alaska time, which is four hours earlier than East Coast time. -
When and how should I arrive in Alaska, and is there transportation from the airport to other locations?
As you will be buying your flights independently, you’ll be responsible for arriving on time for all of your travel components. Allow extra time for each leg of your travel itinerary to ensure you don’t miss parts of the tour or your flight home.
You will be arriving and departing from Anchorage International Airport. Transportation between the airport and/or cruise piers (if you are leaving Alaska by ship) are not included in the price of your tour package. You may add private transportation to your package for an additional cost (subject to availability).
Your flight must arrive prior to 11 a.m. on Day 1 of your tour. If you cannot arrive by this time, your Tour Coordinator can book a pre-tour hotel in Anchorage for you. Similarly, if you need a post-tour hotel, we can arrange that upon request. Your tour typically arrives back into Anchorage at 10:30 p.m. via rail on Day 10 of your tour itinerary. There are earlier transportation options available; please ask your Tour Coordinator about them at the time of booking.
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How long is our travel day?
Because Alaska sits near the top of the globe, the sun can shine for as many as 20 hours a day during peak season! Your travel day will usually begin at 8 a.m. and end at 8 p.m. However, you will generally only be in the tour vehicle for no longer than 1.5 hours while driving to each destination. Stops are provided for restrooms, meals, photo opportunities, and for the daily excursions. Evening hours with sunlight are free for photos and leisure time.
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What additional costs may not be included in my tour package?
Gratuities: In addition to standard tipping practices (ex: waiters and waitresses, housekeeping staff, taxi/shuttle drivers, and baggage handlers), in Alaska it’s common to tip those who provide personalized services.
Drivers/guides who offer a particularly informative trip generally receive a tip from passengers at the end of the tour. The industry standard is $20 per person, per day. Fishing and rafting guides are commonly tipped by their clients. Gratuities may also be given to pilots following a particularly good flightseeing or bear-viewing trip. Tips are appreciated, but never expected; please use your discretion.Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are not included on tour. Open containers are not allowed in our vehicles at any time.
Upgrades and Add-Ons: Any additional activities, tours, or hotel nights are not included in the tour package price.
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Are your tours accessible for all ability levels?
Our vehicles are not wheelchair or handicap accessible. Our “soft adventures” require easy to moderate levels of activity. If you have any questions about specific activities and abilities, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to determine the right tour for you.
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Do you accept reservations for just one passenger?
Yes, we do. The only cost difference is that the full cost of accommodations is reflected in the price rather than split between a couple. We offer numerous guaranteed departure dates.
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Can I customize my tour?
Yes! We have set itineraries but can customize add-ons and activities around a tour framework. We can assist in booking anything in the state of Alaska in conjunction with a tour, from a remote lodge experience to an Inside Passage cruise. Call one of our Tour Coordinators for details!